Device for Supplying and/or Filling Bags

ABSTRACT

Supply device for bags, a frame, at least one elongated carrier means for bags that extends in a longitudinal direction and at one end is attached to the frame and of which the opposite end is free, first and second contact means that are disposed on a holder and by means of first transport means are reciprocally movable in a first direction of movement along the carrier, and third contact means that are movably connected to the frame, wherein the first, second and third contact means are suitable for engaging a wall of the bag in a retaining manner, wherein at least in a first direction of movement of the first transport means the first and second contact means have operative directions that face away from each other in the longitudinal direction, and the second and third contact means have operative directions that mutually face each other, wherein the supply device is furthermore provided with second transport means for moving the holder up and down out of and towards the first direction of movement.

The invention relates to a supply device for empty bags. The invention particularly relates to a supply device for so-called wicket bags to a filling device.

Such supply devices usually comprise two pegs on which a store of empty bags is arranged. By means of a system of movable arms that may optionally be provided with suction cups, it is possible to separate an empty bag from the store and bring it to a filling position, where the bag is spread open using suitable means. A drawback of such known supply devices is that for a reliable operation a complex system of movable means is necessary. Furthermore it is often necessary to pull the bags from the support pegs, as a result of which it has to be possible to rip open the carrier apertures.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a simplified supply device for bags.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a supply device that may function at an increased speed.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a supply device for bags that is able to reliably bring the bags one by one to the filling machine.

At least one of the above-mentioned objects according to the invention is achieved, from one aspect, by a supply device for bags, comprising a frame, at least one elongated carrier for bags that extends in a longitudinal direction and at one end is attached to the frame and of which the opposite end is free, first and second bag engagers that are disposed on a holder that is reciprocally movable according to a first movement path in a first direction of movement along the carrier, wherein the first and second bag engagers are suitable for engaging a wall of the bag in a retaining manner, wherein at least in the first direction of movement the first and second bag engagers have operative directions that face away from each other, wherein the holder furthermore is moveable out of and back again into the first movement path.

The additional movement option, having a directional component that is transverse to the first direction of movement, can be utilised in a returning motion of the holder, which due to the oppositely oriented first and second bag engagers is able to consecutively engage both sides of a bag.

The first bag engagers may here be adapted for, after their activation, retaining the bag. The second bag engagers may be formed as a stop, for instance for by pushing shifting the bag. However, they may also be adapted for, after their activation, retaining the bag. Thus in one embodiment it is possible that the holder has a double function, namely transport (wherein the one side of the bag is engaged) and keeping the bag open (wherein the other side of the bag is engaged) for easy transfer in a filling station. Under certain conditions it may no longer have to be necessary to rip open the optionally present carrier apertures of the bags during transfer.

The movement of the holder can be shortened if the holder is simultaneously movable in the first direction of movement and out of and back again into the first movement path.

When the extra (transverse) movement of the holder is up and down, the range of said movement can remain limited, and the device can thus be kept compact.

In an embodiment the supply device is provided with third bag engagers that are movably connected to the frame, at the free end of the carrier, wherein the second and third bag engagers have operative directions that mutually face each other. When the second and the third bag engagers are adapted for—after their activation—retaining the bag, a supplied bag can be kept open at the filling station.

The end of the supply process and the filling process is enhanced when the third bag engagers are reciprocally movable towards and away from the free end of the carrier, particularly in a direction parallel to the first direction of movement, for bringing the bag in front of a filling station and, optionally together with second bag engagers, opening said bag. After that means provided on the filling station may take over the bag for holding it during filling. The second and third bag engagers only need to be adjusted to the weight of the empty bag.

The holder may be adapted for movement of a bag from a first position in a store, to a second on-hold position near a filling station, and simultaneous movement of a preceding bag previously placed in the on-hold position to a third, stand-by position for a filling process, and without a bag back again along the carrier. Due to the movement of one part only, namely the holder with the first and second bag engagers, a bag, that may optionally be hung on the carrier means via a carrier aperture, can be separated from a store of bags and be brought in the on-hold position, wherein simultaneously a bag placed previously in the on-hold position is brought in the stand-by position and subsequently from said stand-by position is opened with the second and third bag engagers for further treatment.

In a simple embodiment the holder can be moved over a bag placed in the on-hold position during the returning movement of the holder to the first position.

If the first and second bag engagers are adapted for consecutive operation, their control means can be kept simple.

Preferably the holder is provided with a reciprocally movable swivelling arm, on which the first and second engagement means are disposed.

The first bag engagers may comprise two contact elements that in a horizontal direction transverse to the first direction of movement are at a first distance from each other. In this way a bag can be handled in a manner aligned in transverse direction.

Likewise the second bag engagers may comprise two contact elements that in a horizontal direction transverse to the first direction of movement are at a second distance from each other.

Preferably the carrier comprises two longitudinal rods, such as “wicket pegs”, which in a horizontal direction transverse to the first direction of movement are at a third distance from each other, wherein the third distance is larger than the second distance and/or the third distance is smaller than the first distance.

The third bag engagers may comprise two contact elements which in a horizontal direction transverse to the first direction of movement are at a fourth distance from each other, wherein the fourth distance substantially corresponds to the second distance, so that correct alignment of the bag for transfer in the filling process is enhanced. The second and third bag engagers in the first direction of movement preferably are in line with each other.

The third transport means preferably are adapted for repetitively, when the bag has been brought in the stand-by position, moving towards the second bag engagers and subsequently away from them.

Preferably the first distance is larger than the second distance, as a result of which the freedom of movement for the upper/side edge areas of the bag is enhanced and they are enabled, while the bag is held by the second and third bag engagers, to move away from the carrier, so that the transfer for the filling process is not impeded.

The third, stand-by position preferably is situated near the end of the carrier, such that the bag which in the first direction of movement is pulled free from the carrier can be held by the second and by the third bag engagers.

In a simple embodiment the first, second bag engagers and/or third bag engagers operate on a vacuum, in particular they are designed as suction cups.

From a further aspect the invention provides a supply device for bags, a frame, at least one elongated carrier means for bags that extends in a longitudinal direction and at one end is attached to the frame and of which the opposite end is free, first and second contact means that are disposed on a holder and by means of first transport means are reciprocally movable in a first direction of movement along the carrier, and third contact means that are movably connected to the frame, wherein the first, second and third contact means are suitable for engaging a wall of the bag in a retaining manner, wherein at least in the first direction of movement of the first transport means the first and second contact means have operative directions that face away from each other in the longitudinal direction and the second and third contact means have operative directions that mutually face each other, wherein the supply device is furthermore provided with second transport means for moving the holder up and down out of and towards the first direction of movement.

Preferably the first and second transport means can at least be partially simultaneously operative.

In one embodiment this device is furthermore provided with third transport means for reciprocally moving the third contact means, preferably in a direction parallel to the first direction of movement.

In one embodiment of a supply device according to the invention the at least one elongated carrier means/carrier is connected to the frame via a rotatable turret, wherein the turret comprises at least two sets of elongated carrier means/carriers that extend from the circumference at a mutually differing angle.

It is preferred that the elongated carrier means/carriers can be folded down, so that when they are empty they need not occupy any walking space.

The invention furthermore provides a filling installation comprising a supply device according to the invention and a bag filling device.

According to a further aspect the invention relates to a filling device for filling bags. Such filling devices usually comprise means with which empty bags can be spread open one by one at their upper sides in order to be subsequently filled from above, for instance by means of a feed funnel. Spreading open takes place for instance by means of flaps which by means of a rotary or sliding motion stretch the upper side of the bag from the inside in order to obtain a proper fill opening. After filling the bag the flaps can be retracted again so that the bag can be transported away from the filling device. A drawback however of such known devices is that after the flaps have been retracted, the upper side of the bag that is spread open will slump randomly, as a result of which the bag is difficult to manage in optional consecutive treatments at the upper side of the bag.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a filling device wherein the filled bags can be managed from a known position.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a filling device for bags that can be discharged from the device in an advantageous position.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a filling device for bags in which filled bags can be treated afterwards in an advantageous position.

From a further aspect the invention provides a bag filling device having a frame comprising bag engagers for on both sides retaining the bag walls of the bag and spreaders movably connected to the frame for keeping the upper side of the bag open, and stretchers movably connected to the frame for pulling the upper side of the bag taut after filling it. Thus the closing process following the filling process is enhanced as the upper edges to be closed onto each other can be creaseless. The spreaders retain the bag during filling, in the open position.

In a simple embodiment the stretchers are movable between an inactive position and an active operative position extending in the bag, wherein the spreaders are provided with passages for the stretchers in their movement towards the operative position.

The spreaders may comprise flaps, optionally having a surface guiding the filling goods The flaps may form a continuation of a feed funnel.

The flaps may be provided with a slit as passage for the stretchers, as a result of which the stretchers can be placed without being impeded by the spreaders, due to which the upper side of the bag can highly reliably be taken over from the spreaders.

In a simple embodiment, wherein the upper opening can be kept as narrow as possible, the stretchers comprise two fingers.

The spreaders and stretchers can be rotatable about mutually parallel centre lines, preferably transverse to a vertical centre plane of the bag that contains the longitudinal edges of the bag.

In a simple arrangement as to structure, wherein a simultaneous movement of the spreaders is ensured, it comprises two shafts that are parallel to each other and axially rotatably bearing mounted to the frame, wherein each shaft comprises as least one spreading means and wherein the shafts are mutually connected by a drive chain, belt, band or the like, and wherein for at least one shaft a driver is provided for rotation thereof, which movement is transferred via the drive chain etcetera to the other shaft for simultaneous, opposite movement of the shafts. The chain and the like can be attached with one end to the one shaft and with the other end to the other shaft and be partially arranged around the shaft in question, like in a shape resembling an “8”.

In an embodiment thereof the driver for the driven shaft comprises a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder that is transverse to said shaft. The operation means for the stretchers may also comprise pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders, that may be vertically positioned.

In a further embodiment the bag filling device furthermore comprises clamps for clamping a filled bag along its upper end, under the stretchers, and after moving back the stretchers out of the bag filling device moving the filled bag to a closing installation.

The invention furthermore provides a filling installation comprising a supply device according to the invention and a bag filling device according to the invention.

From a further aspect the invention provides a bag filling device having a frame comprising bag engagers for on both sides retaining the bag walls of the bag and spreaders movably connected to the frame for keeping the upper side of the bag open, further comprising two shafts that are parallel to each other and axially rotatably bearing mounted to the frame, wherein each shaft comprises at least one spreading means and wherein the shafts are mutually connected by a drive chain, belt, band or the like, and wherein for only one shaft a driver is provided for rotation thereof, which movement is transferred via the drive chain etcetera, to the other shaft for simultaneous, opposite movement of the shafts. The chain and the like can be attached with one end to the one shaft and with the other end to the other shaft and be partially arranged around the shaft in question. In this way only one of the shafts needs to be driven for the rotation of the positioning means.

The invention furthermore provides a method as described in the application.

The aspects and measures described and/or shown in the application may where possible also be used independent of each other. Said individual aspects may the subject of divisional patent applications related thereto.

The invention will be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A shows a schematic top view of a supply device according to the invention having a bag filling device functionally connected thereto;

FIG. 1B shows a view in perspective of a part of the supply device of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic top view and side view of the devices according to FIG. 1;

FIGS. 2A-H show a side view of the devices according to FIG. 1 depicting the consecutive treatment steps when the supply device is operative;

FIGS. 3A-C show a front view of a filling device according to the invention depicting the consecutive treatment steps when the bag filling device is operative;

FIG. 4 shows a top view of a part of the bag filling device according to FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a top view and a side view, respectively, of an alternative supply device according to the invention; and

FIGS. 5C and 5D show details of the FIGS. 5A and 5B.

The supply device 1 shown in FIG. 1 comprises a frame 35 having a turret 3 rotatable about a vertical axis in the direction A. Said turret 3 comprises a number of holders having two elongated straight pegs 4, which per pair project parallel to each other with respect to the turret 3. In order to save space the empty pegs 4 can be folded down (direction B) towards the turret 3. On one pair of pegs a store of bags 5 is attached, on at least one pair of other pegs 4 (after they have been brought into the horizontal position again) a store of bags 5 can also be attached to guarantee a continuous supply of bags. To that end the bags 5 are provided with carrier apertures 6 at their upper edge with which they can be placed on the pegs 4, such that they can be slid over the pegs.

The supply device 1 has a holder 38 that is reciprocally movable in the directions C in order to each time separate one bag from the store of bags 5 and to bring it via an on-hold position 8 to a stand-by position 9. In the device 1 shown in FIG. 1B a bag 5 has been brought from the stand-by position 9 under a filling device 2 in order to be filled (position 10).

The holder 38 itself is attached at the end of a swivelling arm 7. At the other end, the swivelling arm 7 is hinged to a first carriage 15 of a first carriage mechanism 14. The carriage mechanism 14 further comprises a second carriage 37, which by means of a first pneumatic cylinder 34 is connected to the first carriage 15 so that the carriages 15 and 37 can be shifted with respect to each other (directions D), in the direction of the pegs 4. The second carriage 37 is attached at the end of a piston rod of a second pneumatic cylinder 17 that is attached to the frame 35. By means of slide parts or shoes 33, the carriages 15 and 37 are movable along two fixed slide rods 32 that extend parallel with respect to the pegs 4 of the carrier from which the bags are taken.

Due to the arrangement in series of the first (34) and the second (17) pneumatic cylinders the motion of the first carriage mechanism 14 can be divided into two partial motions, a long stroke of the second carriage 37 with the second cylinder 17 and a short stroke of the first carriage 15 with the first cylinder 34.

For swivelling the swivelling arm 7 up and back again in the directions E a pneumatic cylinder 39 is arranged between the second carriage 37 and the swivelling arm 7.

The holder 38 is provided with first and second pairs of suction cups 11, 12, wherein the operative directions of the first and second suction cups 11, 12 are mutually oppositely oriented in the longitudinal direction of the pegs 4. As can be seen in FIG. 1A (top view) the first suction cups 11 are positioned beyond/adjacent to the suction cups 12 and they are moreover each time positioned on both sides of a peg 4. In this longitudinal direction third suction cups 13 are situated opposite the second suction cups 12, which third suction cups are attached, in line with the second suction cups 12, to a second carriage mechanism 16 arranged on the frame 35, with which carriage mechanism the third suction cups 13 are reciprocally movable in the directions F parallel to the longitudinal direction of the pegs 4. The operative directions of the second and third suction cups 12, 13 are mutually oppositely facing each other in the longitudinal direction.

With the first carriage mechanism 14 the first and second suction cups 11, 12 are reciprocally movable in the longitudinal direction of the pegs 4, wherein by means of a hinging motion of the swivelling arm the first and second suction cups 11, 12 are movable transverse to the longitudinal direction away from and towards the pegs 4.

The filling device 2 shown in FIG. 1B is positioned near the free ends of the pegs 4. The filling device 2 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 2A, 3A and 4. The frame 36 of the filling device 2 comprises a rectangular tubular part 18 onto which spreaders in the form of flaps 20 are rotatably arranged (directions G). The flaps 20 are at one end attached to shafts 19 that are rotatable in the tubular part 18. In the tubular part 18 of the frame 36 two stretch fingers 21 are arranged which for rotation (directions H) are connected to two shafts 22 that are bearing mounted parallel to each other. Rotation of the shafts 19, 22 leads to a swivelling motion (directions G, H) of the flaps 20, the stretch fingers 21, respectively, in or out of the square tubular part 18 of the frame 36. The flaps 20 are provided with a slit 23 (FIG. 4) that is arranged such that the stretch fingers 21 are able to swivel freely through the flaps 20 in a vertical plane. The shafts 19, 22 are horizontal and parallel to the pegs 4.

On the shafts 19 of the flaps 20 toothed wheels 25 have been arranged, which in the direction perpendicular to the centre line of the shafts 19 are mutually aligned. By means of chains 26 each time two toothed wheels 25 are connected to each other, wherein each chain connects the one circumferential surface of the one toothed wheel 25 to the circumferential surface of the opposite toothed wheel 25 crosswise. The chains 26 shown in FIG. 4 are each time alternately attached crosswise at the toothed wheels 25. Due to these alternate crosswise chain connections the shafts 19 of the flaps 20 get a mutually opposite sense of rotation in both directions of rotation, as a result of which it is possible to simultaneously and symmetrically swivel the flaps 20 with respect to the frame 36. One of the shafts 19 of the flaps comprises an arm 27 extending axially with respect to the shaft, which arm is connected to a piston rod 28 of a pneumatic cylinder 29. The pneumatic cylinder 29 shown in FIG. 4 is at the opposite end hingingly attached to the frame 36. However, alternatively it is possible to hingingly connect this end, just like the piston rod 28, to an arm at the shaft 19 of the opposite flap 20.

The shafts 22 of the stretch fingers 21 each comprise an arm 30 projecting axially with respect to the shaft, which arm is connected to a piston rod 31 a of a vertically positioned pneumatic cylinder 31 (FIG. 3A). By means of the pneumatic cylinders 31 the hinging motion of the stretch fingers 21 can be actuated.

The pneumatic cylinders 17, 29, 31, 34, 39 for the motion of the swivelling arm 7, the carriage mechanisms 14, 16, the stretch fingers 21 and the flaps 20, as well as the operation lines for the suction cups 11, 12, 13 are connected to a central (pneumatic) control device that is not shown, with which said parts of the devices 1, 2 are operated.

The operation of the supply device 1 and the bag filling device 2 is as follows:

By means of a movement of the holder 38 with first suction cups 11 along the pegs 4 in the direction of the store of bags 5, the first suction cups 11 are brought into contact with the front bag 40 of the store 5 (FIG. 2A). Subsequently the first suction cups 11 are activated, after which the holder 38 with the bag 40 is brought to the on-hold position 8 on the pegs 4 (FIG. 2B) through a movement of the first carriage 15 in the direction C. Said movement is boosted by a simultaneous operation of the first (17) and second (34) pneumatic cylinder of the first carriage mechanism 14. As a result a very fast movement (C,D) becomes possible. Moreover the use of several cylinders operating in series saves space in transport direction. After this movement the first suction cups 11 are deactivated. Subsequently the cylinder 39 for the swivelling arm 7 is operated, and simultaneously the cylinder 34 is operated. As a result the swivelling arm 7 is moved upwards (E) away from the pegs 4 (FIG. 2C), and with the movement of second carriage 37 with respect to first carriage 15 the holder 38 is moved over the first bag (FIGS. 2C, 2D). The swivelling arm 7 is swivelled back downward again in the direction E, and by operation of the first cylinder 17 the holder 38 is moved back again, to the left (direction C, FIG. 2E) and the first suction cups 11 are brought against a second bag 41 of the store 5 (FIG. 2F). After activating the first suction cups 11 again, the second bag 41 is brought to the on-hold position 8 through a movement of the first carriage 15 by the first (34) and second (17) pneumatic cylinder, wherein the first bag 40 comes into contact with the second suction cups 12. In a condition that may or may not be activated said second suction cups 12 push the first bag 40 to the stand-by position 9 (FIG. 2G). In this latter movement the upper side of the first bag 40 contacts the third suction cups 13, which were moved previously by the second carriage mechanism 16 in the direction (F) of the second suction cups 12.

After activation of the second suction cups 12 and also the third suction cups 13 the latter are again by means of the second carriage mechanism 16 moved away from the second suction cups 12 (wherein the holder 38 remains in its place and the suction cups 12 and 13 remain activated), as a result of which the first bag 40 is opened (FIG. 2H). The upper area of the first bag with its carrier apertures then leaves the peg 4, so that the empty bag is for a while only carried by the suction cups 12 and 13. The bag 40 is held sufficiently wide open for the flaps 20 to be able to rotate in the opening. Due to the hinging motion of the flaps 20 subsequently the upper edge of the bag 40 is tensioned along the ends of the flaps 20, so that the bag 40 can be filled (FIG. 3A) and is held firmly. The second and third suction cups 12, 13 have by then been deactivated again and are in the process of a next operation stroke.

In the engagement area of the suction cups 11, 12 and 13 the bag 40 is provided with at least almost air impermeable material, so that the suction cups can be effective.

After filling the bag 40 the stretch fingers 21 are hinged down and to the outside (FIG. 3B) from the tubular part 18 of the frame 35, wherein, just like the flaps 20, they come into contact with the upper edge of the bag 40. Finally the flaps 20 are hinged back (FIG. 3C), after which the stretch fingers 21 take over the upper edge in a smooth motion and firmly stretch it elongated and creaseless. The upper edge of the bag thus pulled taut can be taken over by a clamping means that is not shown, which clampingly engages the bag on both sides, just below the stretch fingers and the bag, while keeping the upper edge taut, transfers it to a closing station, where the bag can for instance be sealed along the upper edge. During this transfer the stretch fingers 21 are swivelled again to the tubular part 18 of the frame 35, after which the operation cycle described above is repeated again. The second bag 40 is then filled and a new bag is separated from the store 5 and placed in the on-hold position.

In the alternative embodiment of a supply device 100 according to the invention shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B and in detail in FIGS. 5C and 5D, use is again made of a turret 103, just like in the supply device 1 of the preceding figures, wherein the turret 103 is rotatable about a vertical axis in the direction A. The support pegs 104 are provided with narrowed ends 104 a for facilitating the placement of a store of bags on them (not shown). At their end facing away from the free end, the support pegs 104 are attached to a holder 180 in question, which can hinge about horizontal pins 181. The holder 180 is provided with a plate 172 extending upwards transverse to the support pegs 104. Said plate 172 fits in the slits 170 in L-shaped holder plates 171, that are able to hinge (direction S), about horizontal hinge pin 173. With this structure the operator can engage the L-shaped plates 171 in order to rotate them, to make the slits 170 free from the plate 172. After that the support pegs 104 are able of their own accord under the influence of gravity to rotate in the direction B from a horizontal position to a vertical inactive position, as shown. In this position they take up little horizontal space. If a set of support pegs 104 gets into the position preceding the one for taking off a store of bags therefrom, a store of bags first has to be placed thereon. For that purpose the operator takes one or both pegs 104 that are hanging down, and swivels them up in the direction B, until the plate 172 abuts the pilot edge 174 of the plates 171. As a result the L-shaped plates 171 will rotate upwards about hinge 173 (direction S), until the plate 172 fits in the slits 170, and the horizontal position of the support pegs 104 is locked. Then a store of bags, provided with apertures near the upper edge can be pushed onto the support pegs 104.

For transporting the bags one by one, over the support pegs, this embodiment uses a carriage 114, which (see FIGS. 5B and 5D) is slidable over guide rods 132, that are fixed to the frame 136. The carriage 114 is attached to an endless toothed belt 117 that circulates about rollers 117 a, 117 b, wherein the roller 117 b is driven by a servomotor 118. Due to the servomotor 118 the exact location of the carriage 114 along the guide rod 132 can at all times be defined and is positive. This can be used for the further design of the transport mechanism for the bags.

The carriage 114 is provided with a bracket 160, on which a horizontal beam 161 is attached, hinging in the direction E about hinge 138 a. At the end of the beam 161 a holder 138 is attached provided with first suction cups 111 and second suction cups 112. At the top, the holder 138 is attached via hinge 139 a to a pneumatic cylinder 139, which at the location of 139 b is hingingly attached to the carriage 114.

A second pneumatic cylinder 134 is also attached to the carriage 114, also at the location of 138 a hinging at the bracket 160 and furthermore at the extendable end 136 at a lever arm 144. The lever arm 144 is attached to a transverse rod 143, that is bearing mounted in the rod 161 so as to hinge. At the ends the rod 143 is bearing mounted in side plates 162 that are fixedly attached to the ends of the holder 138.

At the transverse rod 143 two plates 142 hanging down therefrom are attached, at the location of the suction cups 111. By operating the pneumatic cylinder 134 the lever 144 and thus the rod 143 and thus the plate 142 will rotate in the direction T.

With this embodiment a bag can be engaged by means of suction cups 111 in the manner described above. As soon as the carriage 114 has for instance been moved 5 cm, the pneumatic cylinder 134 is operated from an extended position, in which the plates 142 have been swivelled upwards, to a position, in which the plates 142—at the location of the suction cups 111—extend behind the trailing wall of the bag. The plates 142 extend to below the plane in which the pegs 104 are situated. As a result during continuing transport the engaged bag can also be engaged at the rear side and optimal certainty is achieved that each bag is correctly taken and moved from the store. Moreover the plates 142 in the engaged position (behind the leading wall or behind the rear wall of the bag) ensure a proper transporting contact with the carriage 114 in addition to or as an alternative to the holding force of the suction cups 111. As a result the engaged bag is also correctly moved over the support pegs 104 in case of large acceleration of the carriage 114.

When the bag has been brought in the said on-hold position the action of the suction cups 111 is ended, and both the cylinder 134 and the cylinder 139 are operated. The plates 142 here swivel away to the rear and simultaneously the whole of rod 161, holder 138 and suction cups 111, 112 swivel upwards in the direction E (FIG. (5D). Then the carriage 114 can be moved back for a next transport cycle, wherein the holder 138 moves over the bag placed in the on-hold position, after which the cylinder 138 is extended again in order to position the holder 138 for engaging a next bag. The cylinder 134 then remains extended until a next bag has been engaged by the suction cups 111 and has been moved over said short distance.

The other, third suction cups 113 are positioned at the location of the filling station—not shown—and movable in accordance with suction cups 13. 

1-44. (canceled)
 45. Supply device for bags, comprising a frame, at least one elongated carrier for bags that extends in a longitudinal direction and at one end is attached to the frame and of which the opposite end is free, first and second bag engagers that are disposed on a holder that is reciprocally movable according to a first movement path in a first direction of movement along the carrier, wherein the first and second bag engagers are suitable for engaging a wall of the bag, wherein at least in the first direction of movement the first and second bag engagers have operative directions that face away from each other, wherein the holder furthermore is moveable out of and back again into the first movement path.
 46. Supply device according to claim 45, wherein the extra movement of the holder is up and down with respect to the first direction of movement.
 47. Supply device according to claim 45, wherein the extra movement of the holder at least partially coincides in time with the movement in the first direction of movement.
 48. Supply device according to claim 45, furthermore provided with third bag engagers that are movably connected to the frame, at the free end of the carrier, wherein the second and third bag engagers have operative directions that mutually face each other.
 49. Supply device according to claim 45, wherein the second bag engagers are adapted for—after their activation—retaining the bag.
 50. Supply device according to claim 48, wherein the third bag engagers are reciprocally movable towards and away from the free end of the carrier, particularly in a direction parallel to the first direction of movement.
 51. Supply device according to claim 45, wherein the holder is movable for movement of a bag from a first position in a store, to a second on-hold position near a filling station, and simultaneous movement of a preceding bag previously placed in the on-hold position to a third, stand-by position for a filling process, and without a bag back again along the carrier.
 52. Supply device according to claim 51, wherein the holder in the returning movement of the holder to the first position is movable over a bag placed in the on-hold position.
 53. Supply device according to claim 45, wherein the first and second bag engagers are adapted for consecutive operation.
 54. Supply device according to claim 45, wherein the holder is disposed on a swivelling arm, which swivelling arm can be swivelled up and down.
 55. Supply device according to claim 45, wherein the first bag engagers comprise two contact elements that in a horizontal direction transverse to the first direction of movement are at a first distance from each other.
 56. Supply device according to claim 45, wherein the second bag engagers comprise two contact elements that in a horizontal direction transverse to the first direction of movement are at a second distance from each other.
 57. Supply device according to claim 55, wherein the second bag engagers comprise two contact elements that in a horizontal direction transverse to the first direction of movement are at a second distance from each other, and wherein the first distance is larger than the second distance.
 58. Supply device according to claim 56, wherein the carrier comprises two longitudinal rods, which in a horizontal direction transverse to the first direction of movement are at a third distance from each other, wherein the third distance is larger than the second distance and/or the third distance is smaller than the first distance.
 59. Supply device according to claim 48, wherein the third bag engagers comprise two contact elements which in a horizontal direction transverse to the first direction of movement are at a fourth distance from each other, wherein the fourth distance substantially corresponds to the second distance.
 60. Supply device according to claim 51, wherein the third, stand-by position is situated near the end of the carrier, such that the bag in the first direction of movement is pulled free from the carrier and can be held by the second and by the third bag engagers.
 61. Supply device according to claim 48, wherein the second and third bag engagers in the first direction of movement are in line with each other.
 62. Supply device according to claim 45, wherein at least one of the first and second bag engagers operate on a vacuum, particularly are designed as suction cups.
 63. Supply device according to claim 50, wherein the third bag engagers are adapted for repetitively, when the bag has been brought in the stand-by position, moving towards the second bag engagers and subsequently away from them.
 64. Supply device according to claim 45, wherein the at least one elongated carrier means/carrier is connected to the frame via a rotatable turret, wherein the turret comprises at least two sets of elongated carrier means/carriers that extend from the circumference at a mutually differing angle.
 65. Supply device according to claim 64, wherein the elongated carriers can be folded down.
 66. Filling installation comprising a supply device according to claim 45 and a bag filling device.
 67. Supply device for bags, comprising a frame, at least one elongated carrier means for bags that extends in a longitudinal direction and at one end is attached to the frame and of which the opposite end is free, first and second contact means that are disposed on a holder and by means of first transport means are reciprocally movable in a first direction of movement along the carrier, and third contact means that are movably connected to the frame, wherein the first, second and third contact means are suitable for engaging a wall of the bag in a retaining manner, wherein at least in the first direction of movement of the first transport means the first and second contact means have operative directions that face away from each other in the longitudinal direction and the second and third contact means have operative directions that mutually face each other, wherein the supply device is furthermore provided with second transport means for moving the holder up and down out of and towards the first direction of movement.
 68. Bag filling device having a frame comprising means for on both sides retaining the bag walls of the bag and spreaders movably connected to the frame for keeping the upper side of the bag open, and stretchers movably connected to the frame for pulling the upper side of the bag taut after filling it.
 69. Bag filling device according to claim 68, wherein the stretchers are movable between an inactive position and an active operative position extending in the bag, wherein the spreaders are provided with passages for the stretchers in their movement towards the operative position.
 70. Bag filling device according to claim 68, wherein the spreaders comprise flaps, having a surface guiding the filling goods.
 71. Bag filling device according to claim 69, wherein the spreaders comprise flaps, and wherein the flaps are provided with a slit as passage for the stretchers.
 72. Bag filling device according to claims 68, wherein the stretchers comprise two fingers.
 73. Bag filling device according to claims 68, wherein the spreaders and stretchers are rotatable about parallel centre lines, preferably transverse to a vertical centre plane of the bag that contains the longitudinal edges of the bag.
 74. Bag filling device according to claim 68, comprising two shafts that are parallel to each other and axially rotatably bearing mounted to the frame, wherein each shaft comprises as least one spreader and wherein the shafts are mutually connected by a drive chain, belt, band or the like, and wherein for at least one shaft a driver is provided for rotation thereof, which movement is transferred via the drive chain etcetera to the other shaft for simultaneous, opposite movement of the shafts.
 75. Bag filling device according to claim 74, wherein the chain and the like is attached with one end to the one shaft and with the other end to the other shaft and is partially arranged around the shaft in question.
 76. Bag filling device according to claim 74, wherein the driver for the driven shaft comprises a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder that is transverse to said shaft.
 77. Bag filling device according to claim 68, wherein the operation means for the stretchers comprise pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders, that are preferably vertically positioned.
 78. Bag filling installation comprising a bag filling device according to claim 68, further comprising clamps for clamping a filled bag along its upper end, under the stretchers, and after moving back the stretchers out of the bag filling device moving the filled bag to a closing installation.
 79. Filling installation comprising a supply device according to claim 45 and a bag filling device having a frame comprising means for on both sides retaining the bag walls of the bag and spreaders movably connected to the frame for keeping the upper side of the bag open, and stretchers movably connected to the frame for pulling the upper side of the bag taut after filling it.
 80. Bag filling device having a frame comprising means for on both sides retaining bag walls of the bag and spreaders movably connected to the frame for keeping the upper side of the bag open, further comprising two shafts that are parallel to each other and axially rotatably bearing mounted to the frame, wherein each shaft comprises at least one spreader and wherein the shafts are mutually connected by a drive chain, belt, band or the like, and wherein for at least one shaft a driver is provided for rotation thereof, which movement is transferred via the drive chain etcetera, to the other shaft for simultaneous, opposite movement of the shafts.
 81. Bag filling device according to claim 80, wherein the chain and the like is attached with one end to the one shaft and with the other end to the other shaft and is partially arranged around the shaft in question.
 82. Bag filling device according to claim 80, wherein the driver for the driven shaft comprises a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder that is transverse to said shaft.
 83. Supply device according to claim 45, comprising a holder provided with a flight for pushing against a leading and/or trailing wall of the bag during transport of the bag.
 84. Supply device according to claim 83, wherein the flight is movable up and down between an operative position and a retracted out-of-use position.
 85. Supply device according to claim 83, wherein the flight comprises a finger or plate for engagement to the wall of the bag.
 86. Supply device according to claim 83, wherein the flight is situated opposite the first bag engager.
 87. Supply device according to claim 48, wherein the third bag engagers operate on a vacuum, particular are designed as suction cups.
 88. Supply device according to claim 45, wherein the first bag engagers are adapted for—after their activation—retaining the bag.
 89. Supply device according to claim 48, wherein the third bag engagers are adapted for—after their activation—retaining the bag. 